Syndra had expected her cousin, the Queen’s child, to be a problem.
She expected the child to treat her like the others, or even worse, because she would be the Queen’s TRUE daughter. She even feared that the child might grow into a bully who would get enjoyment from tormenting her.
’But I...’
Syndra’s hand was shaking.
’I didn’t expect it to happen THIS quickly!’
Less than an hour after the child’s birth, Syndra was already being bullied and tormented, and in a way she could not fully understand, making the whole thing feel that much worse.
’How is he doing this? My energy is seeping away. I can’t move an inch! What kind of magic...?’
By this time, Syndra’s butt had nearly reached the ground, with only her right hand remaining beyond the edge of the cradle.
’Shit...’ She cursed internally and turned towards the throne room’s door.
Previously, Syndra feared that one of her sisters would come in while she was touching the baby.
Now, she was begging for someone to appear and save her from it.
"H-Hey... Let’s talk about this, okay? I’m not sure what I’ve done to make you angry, but..." Syndra gulped. She wasn’t even sure if the baby was angry. She had no idea what it was doing to her or why, but begging felt like the natural thing to do. That’s what her instincts told her as she was assaulted by this strange, foreign sensation. "You-"
’Like I said,’
With her body having fallen below the cradle, she couldn’t even see the child, in whose tiny hands her life seemed to lie.
’You talk too much.’
Syndra had practically lost all sensation in her right arm, but she could tell there was movement.
The next second,
’You will do as I say,’ The child said and appeared into view. He was standing with his elbows resting on the edge of the cradle, gazing down at the weakened Syndra. ’Yes?’
Let alone his words, Syndra had problems processing the scene in front of her.
How could a baby less than an hour old be standing on two feet and, seemingly, with little to no effort?
’Could it be that...’ Fear was written all over her face. ’Could it be that we were scared of draining him, when he...?’
But it did not make sense. Succubi cannot be drained by other Succubi or by Incubi. It was the one thing Succubi and Incubi are supposed to be immune to!
Her common sense wrestled with the idea, but there was no denying the facts that lay in front of her.
The foreign, unpleasant sensation, the sudden terror that took her over... Yes, the Succubus’ greatest weapon was being used against her.
’Not only can he precisely decide what energy to drain from the body...’ Because he had drained more energy from her arm than from the rest of her body. ’But he can use that energy to strengthen himself?!’
It was rare for a Succubus to grow stronger through draining Life Force. Usually, draining only allowed for endurance, energy, mana recovery, and slight healing.
’He used the energy he stole from me... To strengthen his body and gain the ability to stand.’ Syndra could barely believe it, but she found herself in awe, her amazement coming out victorious against her fear. ’Then if he drained all the Life Force out of me... How much would he grow?’
Syndra’s thoughts ceased as annoyance appeared on the child’s face.
She stared at the baby’s shining purple eyes. They were Nyl’s. No, they seemed to hold even more power, and malice.
"Okay," Syndra lowered her head in submission. "I will do as you say." She answered, still secretly hoping that one of the child’s sisters would come in to, hopefully, save her, or maybe even the child’s mother.
The annoyance from the baby’s face went away, and he nodded.
’I needed the energy. You don’t mind, do you, Cousin?’
Syndra’s eyelids wavered in surprise.
"Of course... I don’t mind..." What else could she say in this situation?
’Good.’
The baby nodded again and started climbing out of his cradle.
Before Syndra knew it,
"What are you...?"
’We’re leaving.’ The baby said in an authoritative tone after having climbed up Syndra’s body. ’Take me outside.’ He ordered, his tiny feet resting on Syndra’s shoulders.
His tiny hands grabbed several strands of her hair at random.
"What?"
Syndra was glad that he had let go of her hand but...
’Let’s go.’ The baby said as he pulled on her hair like a horse’s reins. ’I want to go outside.’
"Nyl would have my head on a platter." Syndra gulped.
Tilting her head slightly, she could barely catch a glimpse of his chin.
’Do as I say, or...’
Syndra collapsed on the ground before he even completed the sentence.
Thankfully, her baby cousin was holding onto her hair firmly enough to remain put.
"Huff... Huff... Are you..." A drop of sweat went down Syndra’s nose and hit the ground. "Serious about this?"
An immense pressure immediately descended upon Syndra, making her fear for her life. The pressure his eyes could exert was insane, and she did not need to look at them to feel it.
’Do as I say or die,’ Compromise was not an option. ’Cousin.’
"Fine... Fine! Okay, I’m sorry!" The pressure lessened as she apologized. "Where do you want to go? The castle is large, we can wander around and-"
’Outside.’ The baby interrupted, pointing at the window with his tiny index finger. ’I want...’ His eyes gleamed beautifully. ’To see the world.’
Syndra’s situation and future had become perfectly clear.
Death by Nyl, or death by Nyl’s child.
’Babysitting your baby cousin...’ She massaged her tense face. ’Is the absolute worst!"